The best way to improve as a writer is to write. The second best way is to read and analyze contemporary literature. Join us for this reader series class where we will take a deep dive into the craft of one short story each month. We’ll unpack character, structure, dialogue, plot, details, theme, tone, cultural context and more using examples from a wide variety of contemporary writers representing the future of short fiction. We’ll also discuss what we can takeaway and learn for our own writing styles, projects, and processes. Copies of the stories will be provided in advance of each class. Join us for advanced-level craft lessons, writer-centered discussion, and great reading.
NOTE: You can register for just the first session, or receive a discount by committing to the full year.
Session 1
Jan 7: The Home Visit – Morris Collins (O’Henry Prize Winner)
Feb 4: The Magic Bangle – Shastri Akella (Best American Short Stories)
Mar 4: Better Living Through Algorithms – Naomi Kritzer (Hugo winner)
Apr 1: According to Alice – Sheila Heti (Best American Short Stories)
Session 2
May 6: The Fruit of My Woman – Han Kang (Translated by Deborah Smith)
June 3: My Camp – Joshua Cohen
July 1: Manifest – ’Pemi Aguda
Aug 5: The English Understand Wool – Helen DeWitt
Session 3
Sep 2: The Intoxicated Years – Mariana Enríquez (Translated by Megan McDowell)
Oct 7: Bridling - Nadia Davids (Caine Prize winner)
Nov 4: Valley of the Moon – Paul Youn (Best American Short Stories)
Dec 2: Tantie Merle and the Farmhand 4200 – R. S. A. Garcia (Nebula Prize Winner)
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Details: Read Like a Writer: Short Fiction - Session One takes place the first Tuesday of each month from 7:00-8:30pm remotely through Zoom.
Prerequisite: None
Genre: Fiction reader series
Level: All experience levels welcome
Format: Craft-based discussion
Location: This class takes place remotely online via Zoom.
Size: Limited to 25 participants (including scholarships)
Scholarships: Two scholarship spots are available for this class for writers in Northeast Ohio. Apply by December 16.
Cancellations & Refunds: Cancel at least 48 hours in advance of the first class meeting to receive a full refund. Email info@litcleveland.org.
Work with the best...
Matt Weinkam is a writer, editor, instructor and the executive director of Literary Cleveland. His work has been published in Denver Quarterly, Sonora Review, New South, DIAGRAM, and Electric Literature. He holds an MA in creative writing from Miami University, an MFA in fiction from Northern Michigan University, and he has taught creative writing as far away as Sun Yat-sen University in Zhuhai, China. Contact Matt at mweinkam@litcleveland.org.
This class takes place online via Zoom
Cleveland, OH
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